Emperor Zhaolie of the late Han Dynasty: Rising to power in Liaoxi

A hint of approval flashed in Yan Gang's eyes. He laughed heartily and sat back down at his seat.

Having spent half his life on the battlefield, he had seen many people who became arrogant after achieving early success. It was truly rare to see someone as young as Liu Bei, who was so calm and humble.

The second glass of wine was raised by Zou Dan.

"Brother Xuande, I have been in charge of the Liaoxi border for several years and have submitted several petitions requesting funds and provisions to repair the beacon towers along the Xiping Fort line, but all of them have failed to materialize due to the empty treasury."

"Now that we have this money and provisions, and the Yang family has contracted the craftsmen and materials, do you have any plans for the repair of the beacon towers in each fortress?"

This question was both a request for advice and a test.

He wanted to see if this young man who could persuade the Yang family was just a smooth talker from a noble family, or if he truly understood the practicalities of frontier life.

Liu Bei spoke calmly and clearly: "Commander Zou, you are too kind."

"Having spent several days surveying various forts in Yangle County, I have some understanding of the obstacles along the route."

"In my humble opinion, the repair of each fort should not only involve repairing the fort walls, but should be done by creating a continuous layout of 'a beacon tower every five li and a fortified outpost every ten li'."

He paused, then continued, "Thirty li east of Xiping Fort lies the Yang family's estate and a strategic pass on the trade route, which is also the only way for the Hu cavalry to march south."

"We set up a beacon tower every five li along the route, with five soldiers assigned to it, specifically to relay alarms."

"A small fort was set up every ten miles, with thirty local militiamen stationed there. This could not only support the beacon towers, but also protect the surrounding people and the relocation of farms."

"The Hu cavalry are good at raiding, but not at attacking fortified positions. As long as the beacon towers are connected and the alarm can reach Yangle City within half an hour, they will not dare to go deeper to plunder."

The more Zou Dan listened, the brighter her eyes became.

He had been in charge of the barrier for several years. What Liu Bei was talking about was exactly the plan he had always wanted to implement, but had been unable to put into practice due to insufficient funds, supplies, and manpower.

He immediately raised his wine cup and solemnly toasted Liu Bei: "Brother Xuande's words are all to the point; you truly understand the realities of border affairs! Zou Dan admires you!"

"We'll need to discuss the repairs and maintenance of the obstructions with you more often, my brother!"

These words were a genuine endorsement, and it showed that Liu Bei was a colleague who could be worked with and entrusted with important tasks.

Liu Bei returned the greeting, drank the wine cup in return, and said with a smile, "It is my honor to work with Commandant Zou."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table gradually became more lively.

As a participant throughout the entire process, Shan Jing kept recounting Liu Bei's brilliant handling of the situation at Yang Mansion.

Yan Gang and Zou Dan nodded repeatedly, their admiration for Liu Bei growing stronger with each glance.

All three of them were Hou Chong's confidants. They came from humble backgrounds and had worked their way up in the Liaoxi officialdom for many years. What they valued most was genuine ability.

The fact that Liu Bei was able to accomplish this major task that they had failed to do for several years was enough to earn their respect and make them regard him as an equal and trusted colleague with whom they could work together.

Hou Wen was greatly pleased to see the four of them chatting so happily.

He could see clearly that although Yan Gang and the other two had not explicitly stated their opinions, they all genuinely acknowledged Liu Bei's abilities.

And that's exactly what he wanted.

Having spent several years in western Liaoning, he knew he had little chance of promotion. Ultimately, the affairs of western Liaoning needed someone capable, influential, and able to keep things under control.

Liu Bei was a member of the Han imperial family, had Lu Zhi as his backer, and possessed such strategic skills, making him the most suitable candidate.

Thinking about this, Hou Chong felt it was time to make a decision.

So he put down his wine cup, looked at Liu Bei, and suddenly smiled and said, "Xuande, you're almost sixteen. Are you married yet?"

The conversation at the table stopped abruptly.

Yan Gang, Zou Dan, and Shan Jing all turned their gazes to Liu Bei, their eyes filled with understanding and shock.

They were all seasoned veterans of officialdom, and they instantly understood what the prefect meant.

This is to marry his daughter to Liu Bei, completely tie Liu Bei to the Liaoxi boat, and cultivate Liu Bei as the future successor of Liaoxi!

Liu Bei's heart stirred, and he bowed and replied, "My lord, I am not yet married."

Hou Chong's eyes lit up, and he immediately laughed, "Haha, good! Excellent!"

"I have a daughter in my family, who is sixteen years old. She is dignified, virtuous and kind. She has been studying since childhood and knows how to manage a household."

"I see that you, Xuande, are young and promising, and are a perfect match for me."

"What do you think, Xuande?"

There was a moment of silence in the warm room after these words were spoken.

Yan Gang and the other two exchanged glances, all seeing understanding and inquiry in each other's eyes.

Once this marriage is arranged, Liu Bei will be the governor's son-in-law and the future half-master of Liaoxi.

So, what should they do?

Liu Bei stood up, bowed deeply to Hou Chong, and spoke in a sincere and proper tone, without the slightest hint of elation or reluctance.

"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Excellency, and I am naturally willing to accept it."

"However, this is a major matter of marriage, and I dare not act on my own initiative. I need to write to my mother to inform her, and only after she agrees will I give a formal reply to the magistrate."

This statement clearly expresses approval of the marriage.

Furthermore, by using the excuse of "serving his mother" to uphold filial piety, he was essentially publicly acknowledging the relationship between the prospective in-laws, making it clear to everyone present.

Hou Chong was even more pleased upon hearing this, and he stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

"Xuande's filial piety is truly rare!"

"No rush, I'll wait for your good news."

"As long as your mother agrees, this marriage is settled!"

"Congratulations, Lord! Congratulations, Brother Xuande!"

Yan Gang immediately picked up his wine cup, stood up again to offer his congratulations, and his tone was even more enthusiastic than before.

"This is truly a match made in heaven! With the Prefect in charge of Liaoxi and Brother Xuande assisting us, our defenses will be impregnable, and we will no longer fear the harassment of the barbarian cavalry. We also look forward to achieving further merits!"

"Let's drink to this joyous occasion!"

He was a military general, straightforward in nature, and once he set his mind on something, he made no attempt to hide it.

Previously, he regarded Liu Bei as a capable colleague, but now that he knows Liu Bei is going to become the governor's son-in-law, he has shown even more goodwill.

Zou Dan immediately stood up, picked up her wine cup, and spoke with great intimacy.

"Congratulations, Lord Prefect! Congratulations, Brother Xuande!"

"In the future, regarding the repair of the fortifications and the defense of the border, if you have any ideas, please just give the order. I, Zou Dan, will fully cooperate and will not shirk my responsibilities in the slightest!"

Shan Jing laughed and said, "Brother Xuande, in the future, just ask for help with the allocation of funds and provisions. I, Shan Jing, will ensure a smooth process without any obstacles!"

The attitudes of the three people have undergone a subtle yet clear change compared to before.

Previously, they recognized Liu Bei's abilities and treated him as an equal colleague.

Now that they know Liu Bei is about to become the governor's son-in-law and one of the future leaders of Liaoxi, they have made it clear that they are willing to cooperate and follow him.

However, they still maintained proper decorum in official circles and did not say anything excessive like "obeying orders blindly".

Although limited to "fully cooperate" and "give full assistance," it both expressed an attitude and left room for maneuver, fully demonstrating the shrewdness of an experienced official.

Liu Bei returned their greetings one by one, drank his wine cup to the last drop, and naturally received the signals from the three men.

He also deeply understood that this situation was entirely orchestrated by Prefect Hou Chong.

In the officialdom of the Eastern Han Dynasty, status was always considered first, followed by ability.

No matter how capable he was before, he was just a lowly clerk from out of town.

Now that he has become the prefect's prospective son-in-law, and with the added advantage of being a member of the Han imperial family, he has truly entered the core circle of Liaoxi.

He's not in a hurry; things must be done step by step, and people's hearts must be won over little by little.

The goodwill they are showing today is just the beginning.

If he can defend Liaoxi, repel the Hu cavalry, and allow the people of Liaoxi to live and work in peace and contentment, and if he can show these three a broader prospect, then they will truly be devoted to him.

The banquet lasted until late at night, and everyone parted in high spirits.